Thompson BOE approves $103,174 for cafeteria serving line, reviews midyear budget

The Thompson Board of Education approved $103,174 in expenditures from the unrestricted non-lapsing account for a serving line and steamer and reviewed midyear FY26 budget projections at its Feb. 10 meeting.

Finance Director William Steglitz reported a revised FY26 budget of $21.8 million, year-to-date spending of $12.3 million (56.3%), encumbrances of $9.5 million, and a projected year-end spending total of $21.7 million (99.8%). Steglitz said staff adjusted projections based on updated calculations, including a reduction in projected special education excess cost reimbursement and allocation of grant funds to departments projected to be over budget, such as pupil services.

On a motion by Kathleen Herbert, seconded by Matthew Polsky, the board approved $103,174 to fund cafeteria equipment (serving line and steamer) from unrestricted non-lapsing funds; the roll call vote was recorded as unanimous. The finance subcommittee had recommended forwarding an FY25 special education budget overage of approximately $67,000 to the Board of Finance and recommended using non-lapsing funds for cafeteria equipment, noting any cost savings from discounted equipment would be reflected in future budget revisions.

Facilities staff reported ongoing HVAC work with gradual improvements, repositioning equipment as needed, and resolved a rare roof leak caused by snow entering roof vents; no new information was provided about the generator.

Next steps: the Board of Finance will receive the special education overage referral; any future savings from cafeteria equipment purchases will be applied in subsequent budget revisions.